Barker, VC: The Life, Death and Legend of Canada's Most Decorated War Hero

When William Barker died in an air crash in March 1930 his state funeral was the largest in the history of Toronto. He was a war hero and holder of the Victoria Cross, the DSO and Bar, the MC and two Bars, the Croix-de-Guerre, two Italian Silver Medals for Valour and three Mentions-in-Despatches. Moreover, he had 50 Great War victories to his credit. However, his life and achievements have, to all intents and purposes, been forgotten or overlooked when compared to that other great war hero, Billy Bishop.